Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near Redding California
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Redding CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic options are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right school with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Redding CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, including legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their routine tasks might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Redding CA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in California to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Redding CA looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Redding CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Redding CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Redding CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Redding CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Redding CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Redding CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Redding CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Redding
Choose the Right Redding Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal studies training school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Redding residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many formats and lengths. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Redding California.
Redding Paralegal Training | Redding How To Become A Paralegal